My new fictional role model

is Alan Shore, of Boston Legal.The way Alan can go from being completely laid back to standing up and fighting for what is truly right, both in his mind and those of others, astonishes me. The way he freely speaks his mind about any and every subject is something I'd like to strive for. Plus, he's got a great way with the women, yet still doesn't come off like scuzzy defense lawyer. I suggest you all watch this show, as it's easily David E. Kelly's best work, and it's about time we had a legal "drama" that can make us laugh without feeling guilty. Pun fully intended. Yes, I've bagged on American television before. Yes, I'm still convinced that most of the schlock on the major networks is well, just that. Schlock. But occasionally the good stuff gets through. Even more rarely does the good stuff not get canceled because the viewing public doesn't get it. Maybe as more people my age get older and lose interest in instant messaging and video games and stickers and whatever else we were interested in five years ago we start to find interesting, engaging television. And now there's enough of us bright, young people to keep good television on the air. Science-fiction like Lost would have been canceled outright if it had shown up any sooner, unless it was relegated to a UPN or a WB. At that point, it would have lasted a year before either the teen/tween demo gave up on it for shows with younger, prettier people on it, or the Black/Latino demo sought out something it related to more. Marketing sucks people. That's why TV execs don't take chances often. When they do, it's usually damning (the man who greenlit Lost was fired promptly) or because they trust the source of the new material (David E. Kelley has consistently made decent TV, though previously geared at older viewers). I've deviated from my original point, mostly just to speak freely and candidly after something I'm passionate about. I don't do that enough, and the fictional character of Alan Shore has inspired me to do so much more often. We need more Alan Shores in the world. And more Denny Cranes in this world, though without the heavy mental disorder. Boston Legal. A fake law office providing questionable role models for young people.